Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative runs countywide 'Mayday' drills to test emergency response

Representatives of Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative told KWCD’s First Watch that the co‑op is conducting Mayday drills across Cochise County to test emergency procedures and coordination with local first responders.

“...we do some specialized training with our teams, you know, to kinda determine where our potential gaps are,” said Matt Riesco, SSVEC safety manager, describing the exercises. Riesco and Nathan Hodges, senior vice president of operations, said the program includes tabletop scenario planning followed by field drills at the co‑op’s three main offices in Sierra Vista, Benson and Wilcox.

Riesco said the tabletop sessions bring community partners together to discuss scenarios, response times and communications. “We identify, you know, where our potential gaps are when it comes to radios or cell phone service, and what other alternatives we have,” he said.

The field drills simulate an employee injury or medical emergency and require crews to activate Mayday procedures, contact 911 and coordinate with fire departments, Cochise County law enforcement and ambulance services. After each exercise SSVEC conducts an after‑action review to identify improvements in communications, crew coordination and equipment or training needs.

Hodges noted the drills are tailored to different terrains and operational realities across the county. The cooperative said the exercises are intended to make Mayday procedures second nature for field crews so responses are effective under stress.

SSVEC invited residents and partner agencies to learn more through its website at ssvec.org and through the cooperative’s Facebook page.